S. Christian Benker resided in and attended his early years of education in the state of Massachusetts. Beginning in the earliest days of his education he excelled in science because the workings of everyday life always peaked his interest. During his studies at Bridgewater State College his original intention was to become a forest ranger under the United States Forest Service; however, after participating in several earth science courses a decision was made to pursue a graduate degree in geologic science. Soon after completion of his undergraduate degree he was accepted into the graduate geologic science program at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky. Under the supervision of Dr. John C. White, Chris traveled from Kentucky to Texas in order to research the petrologic and volcanic aspects of Big Bend National Park for a graduate thesis. Upon completion of his graduate degree he was invited to join the doctoral program at the University of Texas, El Paso under the supervision of Dr. Elizabeth Y. Anthony. Currently, Chris is continuing petrologic and geochemical research on peralkaline rocks within Big Bend National Park.